Communication and Personal Identity

ChapterChapter 22

The Self

• The self:

A multidimensional process of internalizing and acting from social perspectives

Arises in communication with others– Perspective of particular others– Perspective of the generalized other

Particular Others

• Particular others are specific people who are significant to us

Direct definition Reflected appraisal

– Self-fulfilling prophecies

Identity scripts Attachment styles

Attachment Styles

• Patterns of caregiving that teach us who we and others are and how to approach relationships Secure Fearful Dismissive Anxious/ambivalent

The Generalized Other

• The views generally held by others in society

Race Gender Sexual orientation Socioeconomic class

How Are Perspectives of the Generalized Other Revealed to Us?

• We learn them as we interact with others, who have internalized cultural values and pass them on to us

• We learn them through media and institutions that reflect cultural values

• The institutions that organize our society communicate them by the values they uphold

Other Perspectives of Self

• The self is multidimensional

• The self is a process

• Social perspectives are subject to change Socially constructed views Variable social views

Guidelines for Improving Self-Concept

• Make a firm commitment to personal growth

• Gain and use knowledge to support personal growth

You need to understand how your self-concept is formed

You need information about yourself– Self-disclosure

Johari Window

Johari Window:

• Open area

• Blind area

• Hidden area

• Unknown area

Guidelines for Improving Self-Concept

• Set goals that are realistic and fair

• Seek contexts that support personal change Avoid self-sabotage